Media Contact: Bob Harmon:

(775) 826-9511

For Immediate Release

August 8, 2008

Can Your Dog Fly?

Give Splash Dogs a try at the Nevada State Fair
 

Reno, Nevada.  Local dog lovers are invited to try one of the Country’s hottest new dog sports when the Nevada State Fair hosts the 2008 Tamarack Junction High Desert Dive Dog Challenge, August 20 – 24 at the Livestock Events Center in Reno.

This “Splash Dogs” competition is open to anyone with a canine partner who loves to run, jump, fetch and swim. Newcomers are invited to give dog-diving a try during practice sessions for $10 a day. High Desert Dive Dog members will be on hand to help beginners get started.     

Splash Dog competitions are also great spectator events, featuring high flying dogs from throughout the West. Last year’s winning dog, Salix, came from Utah to jump 24 feet at the Nevada State Fair. Close on his heels with a 23-foot jump was a little dog with big heart Tinka, with handler Suzy Nicholson from Washoe Valley. 

Competitive waves will be held every day from Wednesday August 20 through Sunday August 24. Entry fee is $20 per wave, $10 for Junior Handlers. Top dogs receive free entry into the Sunday finals. For information and registration, visit www.splashdogs.com.

Tamarack Junction High Desert Dive Dog Challenge schedule

Wed., Aug. 20: Dock opens for practice and new dogs at 5:00 p.m.; Competitive Wave at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 21:   Dock opens at 5:00 p.m.; Competitive Wave at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, August 22:   Dock opens at 12:00 p.m.; Competitive Waves at 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 23:    Dock opens at 12:00 p.m. Competitive Waves at 1:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. 

Sunday, August 24:       Dock opens at 12:00 p.m. Competitive Wave 1:00 p.m. Junior Handler and
                                        Lap Dog Finals begin at 3:00 p.m.; Divisional Finals begin at 3:30 p.m.,  
                                        and Pro Finals (dogs jumping over 20 feet) start at 4:00 p.m.

This annual dock diving competition is sponsored by Tamarack Junction Casino and presented by Splash Dogs and northern Nevada’s own dog diving club H3D (High Desert Dive Dogs).  Additional sponsors include the Nevada State Fair, Scraps Dog Bakery at the Sparks Marina, Scraps Dog Company and Discount Pet Food and Supplies, and Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. 

H3D is a non-profit club dedicated to teaching and promoting the safe and fun methods of dog dock jumping.  Members of H3D regularly compete in events in Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington. Club members practice most weekend mornings on the east side of the Sparks Marina. New members are always welcome. For information, call Bob Harmon at (775) 826-9511.

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